Vanna White Asks for First Raise in 18 Years as Ryan Seacrest Joins ‘Wheel of Fortune’
ABC/Christopher Willard Reading Time: 2 minutes
Wheel of Fortune co-host Vanna White is reportedly asking for her first pay raise in 18 years as Pat Sajak prepares for retirement, to be replaced by Ryan Seacrest. White’s current salary is reportedly $3 million, compared to Sajak’s $15 million.
Vanna White Reportedly Asks for Wheel of Fortune Raise
TMZ reports that White doesn’t want to continue to co-host Wheel of Fortune unless she makes at least half of what Sajak makes. As a source said, “After 41 years as a model employee and more the face of that show than him [Pat], asking for 50% of what he makes seems like a no-brainer.”
A source described the negotiations with Sony as “very difficult.” Sajak is planning to retire next year after the show’s 41st season. He’ll be replaced by Ryan Seacrest, who wrote on Instagram that he “can’t wait to continue the tradition of spinning the wheel and working alongside the great Vanna White.”
In asking for a raise, a source told TMZ that White “feels like it’s a statement for all women.” Many fans have expressed their disappointment with the pay discrepancy between the hosts. Some have also suggested that Seacrest should give up some of his salary for White when he joins the show.
SEE ALSO: RYAN SEACREST ANNOUNCED AS NEW ‘WHEEL OF FORTUNE’ HOST
Does the Show Have Enough Money for Both Hosts?
TV and radio host Claudia Jordan told TMZ that Wheel of Fortune has plenty of advertising money to pay both White and Seacrest what they deserve, without Seacrest having to take a pay cut. Jordan is familiar with game shows, having appeared on Deal or No Deal.
“They can afford plenty,” Jordan said of the show’s budget. “So no, I don’t think Ryan Seacrest should be pressured to give up some of his money. I wouldn’t want that pressure on me. I don’t think that’s right.”
Jordan said she was sure the show would give Seacrest “an extremely good deal.” She argued that “the models are as big a part of the show as the hosts” on shows such as Wheel of Fortune, Deal or No Deal, and The Price Is Right.
